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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"